During the International Development Association IDA21 for Africa Heads of State Summit in Nairobi on April 29th, 2024, Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, delivered a speech emphasizing the necessity of addressing Africa’s substantial infrastructure deficit to unlock potential for transformation, particularly in the fields of energy and technological innovation.
President Bio expressed confidence that increased funding from the IDA would help Africa achieve its objective of becoming a climate-resilient continent.
He underscored the vital role of infrastructure in promoting economic growth and sustainable development in Africa, noting its capacity to facilitate trade, reduce business expenses, and enhance competitiveness on a global scale.
President Bio also outlined Sierra Leone’s dedication to people-centered development through initiatives like the country’s Mid Development Plan and his five key priorities: Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment, Revamping Public Services, and Tech and infrastructure.
He called for more concessional resources from IDA21, including measurable debt financing to enable quantifiable repayment, aligning with Africa’s development aims.
BIO U dae lie boo we nor believe ooh